Tears and cheers for brave, frail Billy Connolly

Entertainment & Culture/All Entertainment & Culture

By Maxine Brown, 29 March, 2017 15:57

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Much-loved international funnyman Billy Connolly has put his own debilitating illness aside to raise money for dementia victims.

The Scottish comedy legend of stand-up, movies and TV, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013, continues to work and raise funds for charity.

He also has prostate cancer.

But the 74-year-old put his own health woes behind him last week to make an emotional appeal to help those who are faced with loss, loneliness and dementia through the annual Comic Relief appeal.

Connolly, in typical self-deprecating style, begins: “Hello, Billy Connolly here asking for your cash. Not for me obviously, I’ve got cancer and Parkinson’s and I definitely need a haircut, but no…”

He then goes on to heart-warmingly tell the stories of Bob, Jo and Margaret, all victims of the global dementia epidemic.

Billy Connolly introduces Bob, Jo and Margaret

The Big Yin's bravery in supporting the appeal was one of the main talking points of Comic Relief, which raised about $A90 million.

Presenter Dan Walker wrote: "There are very few people who can make you laugh and cry at the same time. Billy Connolly is a rare diamond."

Viewer Lauren Gough tweeted shortly after: "Billy Connolly is a true legend, regardless of his illnesses he is still trying to help others. Lump-in-the-throat moment".

Another, Lottie Wight, tweeted: "Billy Connolly just broke my heart. Looking out for others when he's so unwell. How selfless."

Connolly, married to therapist and former Not The 9 O'Clock News star Pamela Stephenson, recently revealed how continuing to work helped him cope with the symptoms.

He told the UK's Mirror: "It's a miracle. I think science should study it. I've gone on stage sick and come off better.

"And then the minute it's finished, you get sick as if your illnesses are all waiting to happen.

"The Parkinson's just rolls along singing a song. So I keep trying to find lighter things to say about it, because they notice I've got it.

"I walk differently than I used to and I don't move as much onstage as I used to.

"I just point out the darker side of it, like banning Jerry Lee Lewis from the house 'cause he sings 'Whole Lotta Shakin'."

Connolly recently announced that he will tour the UK later this year.